When the Heart, Kidneys, and Body Waste Away: A Review of Cachexia in Cardiorenal Syndrome.

Purpose of review: Cardiorenal syndrome refers to disorders of the heart and kidneys in which dysfunction in one organ has resulted in dysfunction of the other. Wasting continuum disorders such as cachexia are highly prevalent in cardiorenal syndrome, yet the clinical impact, pathophysiological mechanisms, and management options have not been well elucidated in previous literature. In this review, we aim to summarize current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, clinical impact, and pathophysiology of CRS-induced wasting continuum disorders, as well as highlight effective and potentially emerging treatment options.

Recent findings: Neurohormonal activation, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, gastrointestinal abnormalities, protein degradation, and mitochondrial pathway dysfunction are pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying CRS-induced cachexia. Recent studies have investigated various treatment options targeting such mechanisms with mixed results. Early screening of wasting continuum disorders in CRS, in combination with nutritional supplementation and exercise rehabilitation strategies, is the mainstay of management. Pharmacologic optimization may also benefit patients. Future studies are necessary to improve generalizability and consensus definitions of cardio- and renal-specific wasting continuum disorders.